Democrats mark legislative wins in deeply red South Carolina

Even in a deeply red state like South Carolina, where all statewide offices are held by Republicans, Democrats are making some inroads in the legislature.

South Carolina Democrats on Tuesday wrested two state House seats from Republican incumbents.

Columbia attorney Dick Harpootlian, a former chairman of the state Democratic Party, also won a special election for a state Senate seat Republicans had held for more than 30 years.

Democrats also added to their share in South Carolina's congressional delegation, with Joe Cunningham's 1st District victory over Republican Katie Arrington. The party's wins came on a night where Democrats won a number of races nationwide, taking control of the U.S. House from Republicans.

Republicans control both of South Carolina's legislative chambers, as well as the governorship and all statewide-elected offices.